The City of Mill Valley is seeking a Chief of Police following the retirement of the Department's Chief after a 30-year career with the City.

Surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of Mt. Tamalpais and towering redwood trees, the City is one of the most scenic places to work in Northern California. This position provides the opportunity to lead and develop a team of hard-working, dedicated, and talented law enforcement professionals who are committed to public service and safety. As a part of the City’s senior management team, the Chief will play a significant role in goal-setting and policy-making that addresses safety and quality of life issues in Mill Valley.

ABOUT MILL VALLEY

The City of Mill Valley is just 10 miles north of San Francisco and 40 miles from California’s famous wine country. Mill Valley is a town with a rich and eclectic cultural history and a lively and engaged citizenry. Mill Valley is primarily a suburban community with distinctive residential neighborhoods representing the many eras of the town’s growth from a small mill town to the modern full-service City it is today.

The City’s population is approximately 14,000 residents who live in a 4.8 square mile area. Education and income levels are high with around 40% of the population having a graduate or professional degree. The median resident age is 48 years; median household income is approximately $150,000 and median home price is over $1.4 million.

Incorporated in 1900, the City of Mill Valley is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City’s nearly 150 full-time staff provide a full range of municipal services to residents and businesses in accordance with the MV2040 General Plan and City Council policy and direction. City staff are committed to delivering those services in an efficient, effective, and courteous manner with a high standard of operational excellence.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Chief of Police will be appointed by and report directly to the City Manager. She/he will be a part of the City management team that works collaboratively to provide exceptional services to the community and achieve the priority projects set out by the City Manager and City Council. The Chief of Police manages and directs the 28-member Police Department which is involved with all aspects of law enforcement. Constructive and collaborative relationships are essential for working with colleagues, neighboring law enforcement agencies, local school districts and community groups.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and proactive thinker who anticipates and acts upon emerging issues and opportunities. The City desires a law enforcement professional and leader who has a proven record of working with diverse groups and individuals to build and maintain relationships resulting in constructive compromise and resolution. A willingness to explore, innovate, and create solutions is encouraged.

The high expectations of the community and the nature of the City’s small but efficient workforce require a high level of collaboration and teamwork. The position requires superior communication skills including writing, attentive listening, and public speaking. The successful candidate must also naturally be proactive, flexible, cooperative, and a problem solver.

The Chief of Police is a leader and must enjoy working on teams, mentoring staff, and assisting community groups and committees to achieve their goals. Creativity, confidence and initiative are essential qualities for this new team member.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, police science, public administration, or a related field.

Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in all major phases of municipal police work; with at least five (5) years in a management capacity.

Possession of a Management Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)

An Executive Certificate, or equivalent, is highly desirable in addition to completion of the P.O.S.T. Command College Program, FBI National Academy and/or Senior Management institute for Police (SMIP) coursework.